This is a list of key characters in The Inheritance Cycle, a fantasy adventure series by Christopher Paolini. The series contains several hundred characters, while the following list contains only the most frequently mentioned.[1]

Many of the names Paolini has used originate from Old Norse, German, Old English, and Russian sources, as well as the invented languages.[2][3][4] With the exception of Angela, the characters' personalities are entirely imagined and not based on actual people.[5] Some characters, like the titular character Eragon were developed before the series was written, while others (such as Angela) were added on an as-needed basis.[4]

Major characters

Eragon has dark brown eyes and hair and fights with bow and arrow or a sword, especially the sword Brisingr, crafted for him by the master smith Rhunön.[9] After a magic ceremony in the second novel, Eragon takes on the physical characteristics of an elf, although he retains some aspects of his human body (such as the ability to grow a beard).[8] He is a skilled magician.
The author originally intended Eragon's character serve in an autobiographical capacity. However, Paolini states, "Eragon has done many things that I haven’t—such as ride a dragon, fight monsters, and use magic—and these experiences have made him a different person than me. Eragon is now his own person, similar to me in some respects, but possessing a unique history, likes, dislikes, friends, and family."[11] Eragon was the first character developed by Paolini, and the author's outline of how the character would develop drove the novels' storyline.[4] The name "Eragon" is an aptronym based on the word "dragon", and a play on the phrase "an era gone".[12][3][4]
Eragon was portrayed by Edward Speleers in the film adaptation of Eragon.[13][14]
Saphira's name is derived from the word "sapphire", and as such serves as an aptronym describing her coloration (blue being Paolini's favorite color).[12][3][4] She was voiced by Rachel Weisz in the film.[13]
Arya is over 100 years old. She is beautiful, wise, and possesses inhuman speed, strength, grace, and superior fighting and magical skills (like most elves). She has long black hair, slanted cat-like green eyes, and is very tall.[8]
She was portrayed by Sienna Guillory in the film.[13]
Murtagh was played by Garrett Hedlund in the film.[13]
He was played by John Malkovich in the film adaptation of Eragon.[13]
Nasuada was played by Caroline Chikezie in the film version of Eragon.[13]
Roran was played by Chris Egan in the film Eragon.

Humans

Brom was played by Jeremy Irons in the film adaption of Eragon.[13]

*Pronounced "AH-zhi-hod".

Ajihad was played by Djimon Hounsou in the film version of Eragon.[13] His name is entirely Paolini's invention.[3]

Riders

The Dragon Riders are the humans and elves who bonded with dragon hatchlings, as well as a kind of police force existing in the time before Galbatorix's rise to power. They began with the first Eragon, an elf who adopted a newly hatched dragon during a massive war between their two species. Their rule ended 100 years before the events of Eragon with the death of Vrael.[7][10]

Dragons

In the books, the dragons are grouped into those bonded to Riders and wild dragons. The wild dragons are far more fierce, while the bonded dragons are more intellectual. All dragons hatch from eggs, in which they can remain for a very long time; once hatched they have a nearly infinite lifespan and continue growing their whole lives. They can breathe fire and reproduce at about six months old.[7] When a dragon dies, it has the option to transfer its consciousness into a diamond-like organ inside its body called an Eldunarí. If it disgorges its "heart of hearts" before its death, the dragon has no choice but to retreat into it when it dies. Such Eldunarí will live on until another creature destroys them.[9] Dragons are a variety of colors, which do not appear to be related to their parents' colors.[4][10]

Elves

The elves are one of the oldest races, but not native to Alagaësia. They came from a land called Alalea. They are very gifted in magic and live in the forest called Du Weldenvarden.[10]

Dwarves

The dwarves are one of the only humanoids native to Alagaësia. Their mythology holds that they were born from the rock of the mountains there.[10]

Other characters and creatures

Her character is loosely based on Paolini's sister.[16][3]
Angela is portrayed by Joss Stone in the film Eragon.[13]
The Ra'zac are killed in the movie, but remain alive until Brisingr in the novels (although some Ra'zac eggs are later discovered in the final novel).[12][6][9]

References

  1. ^ Bean, Joy (November 3, 2011). "Behind a Bestseller: A Look Into the Inner Workings of the Inheritance Cycle". Publishers Weekly. Retrieved February 27, 2018.
  2. ^ "Christoper Paolini interview on Eragon". Archived from the original on December 23, 2010. Retrieved April 16, 2011.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Macauley, Mike (September 24, 2014). "Naming the Inheritance Cycle's Memorable Characters and Places". Paolini.net. Paolini International LLC. Retrieved February 27, 2018.
  4. ^ a b c d e f Pauli, Michelle (November 16, 2011). "Christopher Paolini: 'Inspiration strikes about once every blue moon'". The Guardian. Retrieved February 27, 2018.
  5. ^ "The Author". Random House LLC. Archived from the original on February 15, 2009. Retrieved February 27, 2018.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab Paolini, Christopher (2008). Brisingr. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 0375826726.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Paolini, Christopher (2003). Eragon. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 0375826696.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac Paolini, Christopher (2005). Eldest. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 9780375840401.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v Paolini, Christopher (2011). Inheritance, or The Vault of Souls. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 9780375856112.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r Paolini, Christopher (2009). Eragon's Guide to Alagaësia. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 9780375858239.
  11. ^ "Alagaesia.com interview". Archived from the original on September 18, 2010. Retrieved April 18, 2011.
  12. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Anthony Harkin and Alex Sherer. "Eragon Character List". Gradesaver LLC. Retrieved February 27, 2018.
  13. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Eragon Cast and Crew". TV Guide. Retrieved January 8, 2018.
  14. ^ a b Germaine, David (December 13, 2006). "'Eragon' is a 'Star Wars' wannabe". Today show. NBC. Retrieved January 8, 2018.
  15. ^ Berman, Matt. "Eldest: The Inheritance Cycle, Book 2". Book reviews. Common Sense Media. Retrieved February 27, 2018.
  16. ^ "About Christopher Paolini". Archived from the original on February 15, 2009. Retrieved April 18, 2011.